Important Information

You should not take sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate if you have kidney disease, a bowel obstruction, a perforated bowel, colitis or toxic megacolon, or a history of gastric bypass surgery or stomach stapling.

Do not use more than 1 dose in any 24-hour period. If you do not get any results within 30 minutes after using sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, call your doctor before using another dose.

Using too much of this medicine can cause rare but life-threatening side effects on your kidneys and heart.

Kidney failure may be more likely if you have: kidney disease, congestive heart failure, severe constipation or stomach pain, inflammatory bowel disease, if you are over 55, or if you are dehydrated. Using certain other medicines can also increase your risk of kidney problems.

Before taking this medicine

In rare cases, this medicine can cause kidney failure. This effect may be more likely if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 5 years old without medical advice.

How should I take oral sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To keep from getting dehydrated, drink a full glass (8 ounces) of water or other clear liquid each time you use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate. This includes water, flavored water, lemonade (no pulp), ginger ale, or apple juice, but nothing colored red or purple. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids to drink for 24 hours after taking sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate.

If you take the tablet form of this medicine, you will most likely start taking it the evening before your colonoscopy, and finish taking it on the day of your colonoscopy.

Measure the oral liquid and mix it with a full glass (8 ounces) of cool water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Then drink another full glass of cool water.

Do not use more than 1 dose in any 24-hour period. If you do not get any results within 30 minutes after using this medicine, call your doctor before using another dose.

Using too much of this medicine can cause rare but life-threatening side effects on your kidneys and heart.

Do not use sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you to.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You may need blood tests to check your electrolyte levels.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose or do not finish all doses required before your colonoscopy.

Do not use more than the recommended dose of this medicine in any 24-hour period.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using oral sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate?

sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking other oral medicines within 2 hours before or after you take sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.